Community Thanks District Teachers

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce featured the 60th Annual Springdale Chamber Teacher Appreciation Event Aug.5 at Springdale High School.

The event included a breakfast provided by McDonalds, a vendor fair with with about 90 participating businesses and prize giveaways.

Donated gifts valued some $127,000 and were presented to Springdale Public Schools' educators and certified staff members!

The teacher appreciation event is one of Sam's Furniture's favorite annual events to support, said Joe Donaldson, Sam's Furniture owner and president.

Donaldson and Sam's CEO Kevin Bryant presented two very special gifts of $10,000 home makeovers to both Michael Stewart of Westwood Elementary School and Lauren Lane of George Junior High School.

Both Stewart and Lane were nominated for the home makeovers by district staff and families for their selfless service of others amid trying circumstances. More than 200 nominations were made this year, Donaldson said, a record for the school district.

McLarty Daniel likewise gifted $2,500 each to two Springdale teachers, while Harps Foods gave $50 gift cards to all educators who've served 25 years or more.

Volunteers from businesses throughout the community presented the gifts to teachers.